I felt mesmerized by the whole place, by the air of obvious innocence--not innocence merely, but frank honest bewilderment and concern in the three faces.
'Oh, Peter Pienaar,' I groaned inwardly, and for a moment I was very near damning myself for a fool and asking their pardon.
'Meantime I vote we have a game of bridge,' said the plump one.

'It will give Mr Hannay time to think over things, and you know we have been wanting a fourth player.

Do you play, Sir ?' I accepted as if it had been an ordinary invitation at the club.

The whole business had mesmerized me.

We went into the smoking-room where a card-table was set out, and I was offered things to smoke and drink.
I took my place at the table in a kind of dream.